Foreigner’s New Frontman Set to Make American Debut Following Kelly Hansen’s Retirement

When taking the stage on The Voice, fans were excited to see Foreigner perform. With a career lasting decades, the audience and even the coaches appeared stunned when longtime singer Kelly Hansen announced his retirement. Not entirely planned, the news quickly took over headlines. Although Hansen continued to tour with the band, his final performances will take place over the next few months. After that, the new lead singer, Luis Maldonado, will take over. Still getting accustomed to handling the role of lead singer, Foreigner revealed the dates that will see Maldonado stand center stage. 

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Looking at the band’s schedule, Foreigner stacked their ongoing tour with numerous performances. In August alone, the band scheduled ten concerts. With the tour running throughout the rest of 2025, Maldonado has yet to perform in the United States. But wanting to close out 2025 in a special way, the December dates will be helmed by Maldonado. 

According to the touring schedule, Maldonado’s first appearance in the U.S. will take place in Port Chester, New York, at the Capitol Theatre on December 3rd. From that moment, the singer will perform in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey before closing out 2025 on the 13th. 

[RELATED: Foreigner to Play Acoustic Benefit Concert with Lou Gramm to Raise Money for New Stage Musical]

Kelly Hansen Talks Final Performance With Foreigner

As for Hansen, he discussed his upcoming final show and the emotions surrounding the event. “I don’t even wanna think about it, because I know the whole tour’s gonna be emotionally up and down. It’s gonna be a blast and I know there’s gonna be some surprises and it’s gonna be really fun.” 

Explaining the raw emotions that come with performing alongside Foreigner, Hansen admitted, “Hopefully I can hold it together and do it.” He added, “Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life. But it’s time to pass the mic. Luis has the voice, the energy and the soul to carry these songs into the future. I couldn’t be prouder to hand this off to him.”

Although taking over for Hansen, apparently, Maldonado tried to get him to stay. Explaining the retirement announcement, bassist Jeff Pilson recalled, “Luis really had no intention of this. He was trying to talk Kelly into staying. And when it became clear Kelly really wants to live a life now … Luis just stepped up and, oh my God, that voice came through.”

Excited to begin a new era in the legacy of Foreigner, fans can still purchase tickets for Maldonado’s U.S. debut.  

(Photo by John Medina/Getty Images)

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